New boss draws a blank

Aidy Boothroyd's ten-man Colchester drew 0-0 in a battling performance for their new boss at Southampton.

Ten-man Colchester earn point for Boothroyd

Aidy Boothroyd's first game in charge at Colchester ended in a 0-0 draw as his ten men earned a point in a battling performance at Southampton. Saints' fans got their first glimpse of new signing Senegalese striker Papa Waigo N'Diaye who was introduced to the crowd before kick-off. However N'Diaye did not play in the match, which started slowly for both teams. With 12 minutes gone Jacob Mellis held the ball up well and picked out Rickie Lambert. But the ball came off his body and flew wide of the post. Five minutes later, Lambert turned supplier as he headed a fast ball forward for Matthew Paterson to stab home. Although the ball appeared to cross the line, it was hooked clear by centre-back Marcus Okuonghae. Colchester were reduced to ten men in the 35th minute when Kemal Izzet was red carded for a dangerous tackle on Adam Lallana. Buoyed by the one-man advantage, Southampton created chances but Colchester were unlucky to go into the half level as Ashley Vincent had a strong shot rebound off the bar with keeper Kelvin Davis beaten. With the second period offering little in the way of entertainment, Southampton's introduction of Morgan Schneiderlin was followed by a flurry of quick corners which came to nothing. On 84 minutes, Schneiderlin tested the keeper with a low drive from 25 yards out. And Southampton's Dean Hammond almost gave his former side something to remember him by when his dipping 25-year volley landed on the roof of the net just before stoppage time.